There is growing interest in determining the unidentified peaks within a sample spectra besides the analytes of interest. Availability of reference standards and hyphenated instruments has been a key and limiting factor in the rapid determination of emerging pollutants in the environment. In this work, polar compounds were silylated and analyzed with gas chromatography mass spectrometry (GC-MS) to determine the abundant fragments within the single ion monitoring (SIM) mode and methodology. Detection limits and recoveries of the compounds were established in river water, wastewater, biosolid and sediment matrices. Then, specific types of polar compounds that are classified as emerging contaminants, pharmaceuticals and personal care products, in the environment were targeted in the Mgeni and Msunduzi Rivers. We also performed suspect and non-target analysis screening to identify several other polar compounds in these rivers. A total of 12 compounds were quantified out of approximately 50 detected emerging contaminants in the Mgeni and Msunduzi Rivers. This study is significant for Africa, where the studies of emerging contaminants are limited and not usually prioritized.

A study to investigate commonly grown vegetables, commonly used pesticides, and pesticide use practices was conducted in Kabale District, in south-western Uganda. This is because indiscriminate pesticide use and poor application practices can leave pesticide residues in food rendering it unsafe for consumption. The study revealed extensive pesticide application in Brassica oleracea; var. capitata (cabbage), Brassica oleracea; var. botrytis (cauliflower), Solanum lycopersicum, (tomato) and Beta vulgaris (beet root). Information obtained using interviews revealed that 16.5% traders sell pesticides and 70% farmers spray pesticides on vegetables. Only 18% of farmers could interpret instructions correctly on a given pesticide container label. All farmers (100%) had never attended any pesticide use training. Cypermethrin, dimethoate, dichlorvos, metalaxyl, profenofos, malathion and mancozeb were common pesticides used in spraying vegetables however 42% of the farmers mixed different pesticides for use. Limited knowledge about pesticide application, inability to interpret instructions, non-observation of waiting period before harvesting, mixing pesticides and lack of training on pesticide use for farmers are potential risks to food safety. There is need to address knowledge gaps on safer pesticide application in order to attain safe agricultural productivity for sustainable food security, human health and community development in Kabale District, Uganda.